Legal holidays; increase number of days counties and municipalities may declare as in lieu of certain other holidays.

HB 538 allows Mississippi counties and municipalities to declare up to two days as legal holidays in place of certain existing holidays, instead of the current limit of one day. This change applies to most holidays listed in state law (like Independence Day or Christmas) but excludes Robert E. Lee's birthday (third Monday in January) and Veterans' Day (November 11). Local governments would use this flexibility to replace existing holidays with their own designated days, such as Mardi Gras or other community events. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not create new permanent holidays or alter the list of official state holidays.